Rural communities are elated to see their repeated concerns being heard.

The Finance Minister has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking.

Federated Farmers says rural New Zealanders are facing huge financial pressures - worsened by unfair interest rates.

Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it's causing farmers to sell up.

"It's the banks making excessive profits and it's a lack of competition in the rural banking space. We've only got 5 rural banks, but we have about 18 in the residential space."

LISTEN ABOVE

Rural communities are elated to see their repeated concerns being heard.
The Finance Minister has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking.
Federated Farmers says rural New Zealanders are facing huge financial pressures - worsened by unfair interest rates.
Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it's causing farmers to sell up.
"It's the banks making excessive profits and it's a lack of competition in the rural banking space. We've only got 5 rural banks, but we have about 18 in the residential space."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers spokesperson on the Finance Minister's planned joint inquiry into rural banking

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9113f4b1-9e0d-47e9-8cf5-b18d005c7b7a/transcript

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.

Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.

It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.

Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.

He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.
Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.
It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.
Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.
He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the progress being made on a second Auckland Harbour crossing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/938dd9cc-e742-4772-a348-b44800643c55/transcript

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties. 

The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls. 

LISTEN ABOVE

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties.&nbsp;
The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the coalition looking likely to lead according to new poll

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/157af232-21a5-4b1a-b77a-b4480061d9f0/transcript

The Australian federal budget is set to be delivered tonight, and it's promising big changes.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will feature 'more than the usual amount of savings and more than the usual amount of reform'.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will appeal to younger voters, as concerns have been raised about intergenerational inequality and the housing market. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Australian federal budget is set to be delivered tonight, and it's promising big changes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will feature 'more than the usual amount of savings and more than the usual amount of reform'.
Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will appeal to younger voters, as concerns have been raised about intergenerational inequality and the housing market.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent ahead of the 2026 Australian federal budget being handed down

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/692ce578-906d-444b-92c6-b4480059a6d3/transcript

Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers spokesperson on the Finance Minister's planned joint inquiry into rural banking

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